.webp)
Climate change has accelerated the risk of pest-induced and weed-induced crop losses. A majority of farmers protect their crops against these infestations through pesticides. Unfortunately, pesticides are ‘intrinsically toxic’ for human health and the environment according to the World Health Organization (WHO). If farmers refrain from using pesticides, the crop yield will decrease and worsen the global food security problem. Hence, sustainable crop protection has become a major focus for innovation in the agricultural sector.
The good news is that several innovations are already happening in this direction. Let’s take a look at a few innovations enabling farmers to combat crop threats while enhancing productivity and minimizing their carbon footprint.
1. Active Ingredients
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines active ingredients as ‘chemicals in the pesticides that prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate pests’. Agricultural and food scientists are working on designing safe, effective, and affordable active ingredients through genomics, biokinetics, and other technological models. The active ingredients precisely target the plant exactly where (roots, leaves, stems, etc) it needs protection against pests, weeds, fungi, or diseases.
2. Biologicals
Biologicals are products made from living organisms which are natural enemies of pests and diseases. Biologicals are an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. They may contain plant extracts, insect pheromones, predatory insects, or other naturally occurring sources that can increase crop resistance to abiotic stress and enhance their nutritional value.
3. Biotechnology
Biotechnology refers to the application of a range of chemical and genetic technologies to develop genetically-modified crops. These crops have higher nutritional content, the potential for better yield, and more resistance to pests, insects, weeds, diseases, drought, and other environmental conditions.
4. Computer Modeling
Computer modeling involves the use of sophisticated algorithms through artificial intelligence and machine learning. This helps to understand complex chemical structures to develop safe, accurate, and effective pesticides for crop protection.
Computer modeling also enables the development of predictive models for weather patterns and pest and disease outbreaks. The information can empower farmers to take preventive actions to protect their crops.
5. Pesticide Encapsulation/Nanotechnology
This technology refers to an encapsulated formulation of pesticides for controlled and slow release of crop protection products. Encapsulated pesticides contain non-toxic and biodegradable dry or liquid active ingredients covered by a protective coating. Since encapsulation uses materials and particles on a nanoscale, a concept borrowed from nanotechnology, it is also known as nano encapsulation.
Farmers can use pesticide encapsulation to release the bioactive agent into the specific part of the crop as and when needed instead of waiting for the right climatic conditions. Since encapsulation reduces the use of pesticides due to precision targeting, it also minimizes their environmental impact.
6. Seed Treatments
International Seed Federation explains seed treatments as the ‘biological, physical and chemical agents and techniques applied to seed to provide protection and improve the establishment of healthy crops’. Seed treatment not only shields crops against pests and diseases but also supports cover crops to reduce soil erosion.
There are three types of seed treatment technologies — seed dressing, seed coating, and seed pelleting. The first one is the most basic method but the other two require advanced technologies. Treated seeds are mostly coated with natural dyes and pigments in bright colors to distinguish them from natural seeds.
7. Diagnostic Mobile Apps
Diagnostic mobile apps are smart farming solutions empowering farmers to get agricultural information and advisory at their fingertips. These apps run on algorithms that can detect plant diseases and other problems to enable farmers to take remedial measures. Farmers can also leverage these apps to capture crop data and images, ask their queries to experts, and get proactive diagnoses and solutions for pest and disease control.
8. Drones
Drones have become a high-efficiency, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional manual spray operations to protect plants. Drones have other perks too. They use remote sensing technology to collect accurate and real-time information on pests, weeds, and diseases. This information helps farmers in the early detection and recurrent pattern identification of crop protection issues.
Crop protection technologies are extremely crucial for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, the production of more food per acre, and the economic viability of farms. They are likely to become more effective when they can be implemented as an integrated approach. There is also a need to conduct more intensive research on pesticides, weeds, climate patterns, and plant diseases to pave the way for new crop protection technologies. The shift has already begun; it just needs to gain more momentum.
Syngenta Innovation Dialogues is part of the Shoots by Syngenta Accelerator initiative
The Syngenta Group Startup Accelerator program, part of the larger “Shoots by Syngenta” platform, provides early-stage companies with a supportive #ecosystem to develop new #agriculture #technologies. It includes giving #startups the opportunity to pilot their technology at Syngenta’s Farm of the Future and select grower locations globally, mentorship from our business leaders, the ability to connect with industry experts, as well as resources and funding to accelerate their growth and impact.
At Syngenta Group, we believe in #innovation and #collaboration. If you think you have what it takes, then we have the platform for you!
The Shoots by Syngenta Program is managed for Syngenta by Excelerate.
%201.webp)